Still contemplating keeping this…however i’m also working on a SCAR 17. I get 7.62 ammo issued for my M14. I just can’t have both… I realize6.8 has potential as a great all around LE round, however all the LEO’s around me either have 5.56 or 7.62 so I think it would be smart to use the same for access to ammo when needed. 6.8 isn’t used by anybody in the area. But I don’t want to continue to carry a rifle that is over 40" long in my squad anymore…can’t get it out let alone fire it while seated!
I’d suggest a few questions for you to think about:
What are your requirements for range?
Penetration?
Accuracy?
You mention ready availability of 7.62x51 but does the free/issue ammo meet your requirements for range/penetration/accuracy?
What manual of arms are you most familiar with, ARs or other?
Who will buy your magazines?
I don’t have an operational requirement any longer (retired military) other than as a citizen but I have gone down the 7.62x51 road lately with a PredatAR. I went down the 6.8 road several years ago with a Noveske and an AR Performance.
The rifle and uppers are all accurate and share the same manual of arms.
I have different optics on them based on my idea of what I want each to do (respectively a Nightforce 2.5-10X, a Trijicon TR21, and an Aimpoint M4S with a magnifier in a Larue flip-over mount. I think I’m pretty well covered from DC to daylight.
Thanks for the comments. My one hangup against an AR10/SR25 style rifle is the length. I want something I can easily maneuver around the cab of my truck if need be. I know its not ideal to fire the SCAR 17 with the stock folded but it makes it possible/easier to fire within the truck.
As far as caliber, 6.8 is out just because no other LEO around has it. 5.56 is a maybe, plenty LEO’s around have it however, i’m not issued it and as a warden we shoot a lot of animals (mostly whitetail) and i like 7.62x51 for that. 7.62 is the ammo i’m issued, just couldn’t find a system compact enough and light enough for my liking. Don’t get me wrong I love shooting my M14…its just not very practical IMO.